Toronto Argonauts quarterback Jarious Jackson throws the football against the Montreal Alouettes during first half CFL football action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.Nathan Denette
/ THE CANADIAN PRESS

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo throws the football against the Toronto Argonauts during first half CFL football action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.Nathan Denette
/ THE CANADIAN PRESS

Montreal Alouettes Shea Emry, centre, runs back an interception for a touchdown against the Toronto Argonauts during second half CFL action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.Nathan Denette
/ THE CANADIAN PRESS

Montreal Alouettes Shea Emry, left, celebrates his touch down as teammate Seth Williams, right, watches against the Toronto Argonauts during second half CFL action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.Nathan Denette
/ THE CANADIAN PRESS

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Despite the absence of receiver Brandon London and tailback Victor Anderson, Montreal overcame some early offensive problems and defeated the Toronto Argonauts 24-12 on Sunday afternoon before 25,348 Rogers Centre spectators. The crowd included about 400 from Montreal who travelled on a Fan Train.

It was a crucial game for both teams, battling for first place in the East Division. The Als, who ended a two-game losing streak, improved to 9-6 while the Argos, who have lost four of their last five, sit second, at 7-8. That gives Montreal a four-point lead with three games remaining.

Als quarterback Anthony Calvillo stated last week, following an upset loss at home to the lowly Winnipeg Blue Bombers, that this game would display whether Montreal’s team had a spine. Calvillo no longer needs to be concerned.

It was a defensive struggle for most of the opening 30 minutes, neither team able to generate much offence.

Indeed, the Argos held a 2-0 lead following the first quarter. Noel Prefontaine, who returned to the lineup after undergoing potential career-ending hip surgery three months ago, kicked a pair of punt singles covering 57 and 59 yards.

The Als got on the scoreboard with a Sean Whyte 48-yard punt single, two minutes into the second quarter.

The game’s opening touchdown came on the next Toronto series, the Argos marching 75 yards in 10 plays, capped by a 24-yard pass to Andre Durie, who made Chip Cox miss on the play. It came two plays after Chad Owens beat Seth Williams for a touchdown, but Toronto running-back Gerald Riggs was called for holding.

Durie’s touchdown came at 7:39.

Whyte connected on a 35-yard field goal at 12:35, but London suffered what appeared to be an injury to his right knee on the drive. That occurred on a 13-yard run by Calvillo. London didn’t return for the second half and was on the sideline, on crutches, by the team bench.

On the next play following the injury, Calvillo passed 22 yards to Jamel Richardson. It was the first reception for Richardson, the Canadian Football League’s leading receiver in 2011. Indeed, it was the first time Calvillo attempted a pass to him in the game.

Whyte kicked a 27-yard field goal on the final play of the half, as the Als pulled to within two points, 9-7.

The Als defence assumed control of the game in the third quarter, repeatedly holding the Argos without a first down. Montreal had five quarterback sacks in the game.

Whyte’s 37-yard field goal at 8:30 of the quarter gave Montreal its first lead, 10-9. The score came after the Argos gambled on third down, Prefontaine’s pass for Jordan Younger incomplete.

Nonetheless, Swayze Waters then connected for the Argos from 37 yards at 12:02.

That field goal came after Anderson suffered what appeared to be a concussion. He caught a screen pass but was hit hard by Robert McCune, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Armond Armstead.

But the Toronto lead was shortlived. On the next play following the field goal, Calvillo connected with Richardson for a 75-yard pass-and-run touchdown at 12:25, giving the Als a 17-12 lead heading into the final quarter.

Richardson was sprung loose down the left sideline after beating cornerback Pat Watkins for the ball.

Montreal middle-linebacker Shea Emry scored an important insurance touchdown at 6:17, stepping in front of a Jarious Jackson pass intended for Jason Barnes, returning the interception 46 yards. It marked the first interception returned for a score by Montreal’s defence this season.

Jackson clearly is no Joey Elliott.

Whyte attempted a 23-yard field goal late in the game, but the ball struck the left upright.

The Als will attempt to continue their winning streak this Saturday, at Saskatchewan.

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